So after a few firings I've noticed that my brass has begun to shrink. Is there a minimum case length?

jeffreybehr

08-03-2010, 17:43

Don't you have a reloading manual? The trim-to length of the 10mm Auto is 0.982".

99blkta

08-03-2010, 22:36

Yea, I have two reloading manuals; however, I was unaware that the trim to length is the same as the minimum cartridge length. I'm still new to this and am trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks for the info.

Taterhead

08-03-2010, 23:01

Yep. 0.982 is the minimum. I may fudge that by a couple of thousandths at the most - but only for my "volume" loads.

jeffreybehr

08-03-2010, 23:26

Yea, I have two reloading manuals; however, I was unaware that the trim to length is the same as the minimum cartridge length. I'm still new to this and am trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks for the info.

YW, and sorry I sounded a bit abrupt.

99blkta

08-04-2010, 00:40

YW, and sorry I sounded a bit abrupt.

Not a problem, and thanks again for all the info.

99blkta

08-04-2010, 16:19

Other than trash the brass that is too short, what can be done with it? Trim it down to .40 lengths?

Taterhead

08-04-2010, 21:11

Other than trash the brass that is too short, what can be done with it? Trim it down to .40 lengths?

This has certainly been done, but certainly not preferable. The .40 S&W case is not exactly a shortened 10mm case. There are subtle case dimension differences, and the .40 calls for a small primer.

I just toss 'em. They are less than 14 cents each from Starline, so not a huge loss to toss one out.

99blkta

08-04-2010, 22:47

This has certainly been done, but certainly not preferable. The .40 S&W case is not exactly a shortened 10mm case. There are subtle case dimension differences, and the .40 calls for a small primer.

I just toss 'em. They are less than 14 cents each from Starline, so not a huge loss to toss one out.

Thanks, all I needed to know. :cool:

Although its slightly disappointing that some of these cases only have 2 firings, eh oh well.

Taterhead

08-07-2010, 13:11

Thanks, all I needed to know. :cool:

Although its slightly disappointing that some of these cases only have 2 firings, eh oh well.

Interesting. What type of brass? I haven't experienced anything less than 4-5 shots, and that is with Winchester brass. Others, especially Starline, last longer. Granted, I only shoot hot loads in new brass - then they are relegated to the mid-strength rotation. So I am not as hard on my brass as some guys.

99blkta

08-08-2010, 01:44

All my brass has been new DT nickel plated. I do as you have stated and only load maximum recommended loads in the new brass, after that they are just used for "volume" loads. I'm quite surprised as well that I've only loaded some of these cases 2x. :wow: